Aging of Martial Artists II

Back to the aging martial artists. Overall it is a matter of recognition and then modification. As you age you need to make changes accordingly and often those changes fly directly against our inner self caught up with the fact that mortality is an issue. 

When you first stressed your body to take on some strenuous activity you had aches and pains yet those tended to disappear quickly. Those of us in winter years now have aches and pains that are less forgiving. This is the bodies warning system that changes are required. Listening to those same messages even in our youth would best serve us if we listened and broke away from the monkey ego saying "this is what makes us men." This is what makes us tough. This is what makes us able to overcome obstacles. 

Yes, it is but just how much is the question. In our youth we accept it readily enough and when we are in our winter years we often question them as something to be overcome when in reality it is something to adjust too. Inevitable, the aging process is another obstacle in the path of life that we have to find alternate routes around to achieve the goal of longevity with minimal injuries, aches and pains. 

It is ok to alleviate some of them with anti-inflammatory medicines such as advil, not a promo for this one, but we often tough it out. If you want the enjoyment of continuing to work the dojo floor then work smart. Listen to the aches and pains, don't hesitate to tap out a little sooner to keep from breaking tendons vs. simply stretching them to certain limits.

Make adjustments for lack of flexibilities and bodily limits to elasticity of muscles, tendons and cartilage's. Your body will thank you, your mind will relax and your spirit will sour. Especially when you outdo, outlast and out perform younger folks who are still caught up in the monkey ego man thing. It is what I speak of when I say, I am older but a lot sneakier. I am simply using tools that should be taught from the beginning yet often overlooked or glossed over in lieu of muscling it or relying on size, strength and youth to carry the day.